Rising Xenophobia in South Africa Sparks Fear, Violence and Diplomatic Concern Over Migrant Crackdown

Human rights groups warn of escalating anti-migrant violence as economic hardship, unemployment and political rhetoric fuel tensions across South Africa

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By A1NEWS International Investigative Desk / May 25, 2026

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA –A growing wave of xenophobic attacks and anti-immigration protests is once again placing South Africa under international scrutiny as migrants, refugees, and foreign workers report rising intimidation, evictions, discrimination, and violence across several cities.

Human rights organisations, including Human Rights Watch, have raised alarm over what they describe as an increasingly dangerous environment fueled by economic frustration, political rhetoric, unemployment, and vigilante-style anti-migrant campaigns.

The latest tensions have intensified in major urban centres such as Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, and Pietermaritzburg, where anti-immigration groups are mobilising protests and demanding the mass removal of undocumented migrants from South Africa.

Anti-Migrant Groups Intensify Mobilisation

Two anti-immigration movements — March and March and Operation Dudula — have emerged at the centre of the growing protests.

The groups advocate stricter immigration enforcement and have organised demonstrations targeting undocumented migrants, foreign-owned businesses, and informal traders.

Videos circulating across social media platforms reportedly show activists issuing ultimatums demanding that foreign nationals leave South Africa before the end of June.

Human rights groups say the atmosphere has generated widespread fear within migrant communities, many of whom now avoid reporting abuses due to concerns over retaliation, arrest, or deportation.

Human Rights Groups Warn of Escalating Abuse

Advocates working with migrant communities say incidents of harassment and discrimination are increasing rapidly.

Mike Ndlovu, media coordinator for Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia (KAAX), disclosed that migrants continue to face threats, extortion, workplace discrimination, unlawful evictions, and denial of healthcare access.

According to him, the most common abuses include:

Verbal intimidation;
Physical assaults;
Workplace discrimination;
Confiscation of goods;
Forced displacement from homes and businesses;
Harassment at hospitals and clinics.

Rights groups warn that many incidents remain undocumented because victims fear engagement with authorities.

Economic Hardship and Unemployment Fuel Tensions

Analysts say South Africa’s worsening socio-economic conditions are contributing significantly to the growing anti-migrant sentiment.

The country continues to struggle with:

High unemployment rates;
Rising inequality;
Persistent poverty;
Slow economic growth;
Housing shortages;
Pressure on public services.

In many townships and urban settlements, migrants are increasingly portrayed as competitors for jobs, housing, healthcare, and business opportunities.

Political parties including ActionSA, Patriotic Alliance, and uMkhonto we Sizwe Party have intensified public discussions around undocumented migration and border enforcement.

Activists say vigilante groups are exploiting widespread frustration over inequality and unemployment.

Legacy of Apartheid and Structural Inequality

Migration experts argue that the crisis cannot be separated from South Africa’s deeper structural challenges rooted in the legacy of apartheid.

Despite decades of democratic rule, large sections of the population still face severe economic disparities, weak service delivery, and limited employment opportunities.

Mpho Makhubela, an activist with the Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in South Africa (CoRMSA), said anti-migrant movements are capitalising on unresolved social grievances.

“The country continues to face the enormous task of addressing the legacies of apartheid,” he stated.

Analysts warn that without meaningful economic reforms and social protection measures, vulnerable migrant communities may increasingly become scapegoats for broader governance failures.

Migrants Describe Fear and Economic Devastation

Several migrants shared accounts of intimidation, job loss, and displacement linked to the anti-immigrant campaigns.

A Zimbabwean former delivery worker identified as Mpofu recalled being confronted by vigilante groups while working in Pretoria earlier this year.

According to him, colleagues fled during the confrontation, leaving him exposed to harassment and questioning over his nationality.

Mpofu said growing hostility toward undocumented workers later contributed to retrenchments at his workplace.

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Now unemployed, he survives through informal food delivery and cooking jobs while earning significantly less income.

Another migrant, Zwelibanzi Velempini Khumalo, described how tensions around Durban and Pietermaritzburg reportedly forced some foreign nationals to abandon homes and businesses during unrest.

He alleged that informal traders lost property, stock, and personal belongings during attacks targeting migrant communities.

Khumalo also disclosed that he lost his job as an accounting lecturer after pressure mounted against undocumented employees at his workplace.

South African Government Responds

The South African government has insisted that it remains committed to constitutional protections and the rule of law despite growing tensions.

Government spokesperson Nomonde Mnukwa acknowledged public frustration surrounding unemployment, undocumented migration, crime, and pressure on resources but stressed that violence against migrants is unlawful.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has similarly condemned attacks on migrants carried out under the guise of activism.

Authorities say immigration laws are currently being reviewed while border management systems are undergoing modernization to improve enforcement and accountability.

The government also maintains that South Africa’s constitution guarantees dignity and fundamental rights to all residents regardless of nationality.

Anti-Immigration Activists Defend Crackdown

Leaders of anti-migration groups, however, remain unapologetic.

Pat Mokgalusi, spokesperson for Operation Dudula, argued that undocumented migration places excessive strain on public resources and contributes to criminal activity.

“Illegal foreigners must just pack and go,” he declared.

Jacinta Ngobese Zuma, founder of March and March, similarly argued that uncontrolled migration is worsening overcrowding in schools, hospitals, housing systems, and labour markets.

The groups continue to demand stricter immigration controls, stronger border enforcement, and improved identification systems.

International Concern Mounts

The escalating tensions have also drawn international attention.

Antonio Guterres and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights have reportedly urged South African authorities to investigate abuses and protect migrant communities.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwean officials say they are monitoring the situation closely through diplomatic channels while avoiding direct interference in South Africa’s domestic affairs.

Human Rights Watch warned that blaming migrants for crime, unemployment, and poor service delivery risks deepening violence and undermining constitutional protections.

Broader Regional Implications

South Africa remains one of Africa’s largest economic hubs and a major destination for migrants from Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Congo, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and other African countries.

Analysts warn that worsening xenophobia could strain diplomatic relations, weaken regional integration efforts, and damage South Africa’s international human rights reputation.

There are also concerns that persistent anti-migrant violence may discourage investment, tourism, and regional labour mobility.

The resurgence of xenophobic tensions in South Africa reflects a volatile intersection of economic hardship, political frustration, unemployment, and unresolved structural inequality.

While authorities insist that constitutional protections remain in place, rights groups warn that rising anti-migrant rhetoric and vigilante mobilisation are creating an increasingly dangerous environment for vulnerable communities.

As protests intensify and political pressure grows ahead of future elections, South Africa faces mounting scrutiny over whether it can balance immigration enforcement with constitutional rights, social stability, and regional human rights obligations.